PEAS

Introduction

Peas probably originated from Middle Asia and the near East and around Ethiopia. They are extremely old as history goes. Remnants of seeds have been found in Bronze age dwellings in Switzerland from around 5000 years BC, and also in the ruins of Troy. It was the Greeks and Romans who cultivated peas themselves and who brought them to England, but then they were smaller and were dried to be eaten as seeds. It was not until the 1500s that they were grown regularly in England and Europe.

Nowadays peas can be bought canned. However, they lose a lot of their beneficial elements in the canning process, such as the large amounts of Vitamin C. To get the tastiest, firmest peas they should be bought fresh.

What do they have to offer?

Many people will be surprised to learn that research conducted by Dr. S. N. Sanyal of the Calcutta Bacteriological Institute has now proven that peas contain large amounts of an antifertility chemical, which would work as a mild contraceptive to all who might eat them. He identified the chemical as m-xylohydroquinone. Results of tests carried out on the drug once it had been isolated and capsulated and used on humans showed around a 50-60% drop in fertility amongst the users. The chemical does this by altering the hormones in the body that are responsible for the well-being of the reproductive organs in the body - progesterone and oestrogen. This said, at the levels normally taken into the body when eating peas, they are very unlikely to cause sterility, but couples who are having trouble conceiving may wish to consider minimising peas in their diets.

Peas are extremely good for general health of the heart. This is because they are rich in soluble fibre (some 2.7g per half cup), which helps lower damaging blood cholesterol. This thins the blood, reducing both blood pressure and the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, which is key to avoiding coronaries and strokes.

Peas can also help to fight more serious diseases. They are a form of seed and rich in protease inhibitors, which can help to stop cell mutations developing, especially in the stomach. Another study shows a similar action in the prostate, and peas added to the diet were also shown to help ward off infections and viruses.

Intake

One serving a day would be a reasonable amount to eat. This would boost the intake of various nutrients needed for health. However, any couple trying to conceive, but failing should look at the amounts both of peas and carrots in the diet. Both can reduce fertility if eaten to excess.